Built by someone who got flaked on and got tired of hoping.
The deposit system started as a solution to one specific problem: finding a workout partner who actually shows up. Linkup is being built to make flaking structurally expensive instead of socially awkward.
How it works
- Deposit-first sessions: sessions don't exist until both parties have skin in the game
- Reliability score: show-up rate, not star ratings
- Two-way gender filter: structural safety, not a preference
- Circles: private networks, not a public feed
- QR mutual scan: automatic resolution, no disputes
The problem wasn't motivation. It was skin in the game.
The problem most fitness apps solve is motivation. That's not what Linkup solves. Motivation is fine. What breaks down is the other person.
When there are no consequences for bailing, people bail. Not because they're bad people — because the cost of showing up exceeded the cost of texting "something came up."
Linkup changes that cost. Both parties deposit $10 before the session exists. Show up and get it back. Don't show up and lose it to the person who did. The session is real before you lace up.
Linkup is a pre-launch app building a deposit-first trust architecture for in-person workout sessions. Launching first in NYC, LA, and Chicago.
Built by one person, so far.
Yoahance Modeste is building Linkup solo out of Brooklyn, NY. The deposit mechanic came from a real frustration: two flaked sessions in a row with no consequence for the person who bailed. The app is in development, launching first in NYC, LA, and Chicago.
Yoahance Modeste
Solo Founder & CEO
Solo founder building Linkup out of Brooklyn, NY. Previously got flaked on twice. Built the fix.
Building in public, launching in three cities.
Linkup is in active development. Here's the roadmap.
Concept Development
Started with a simple problem: no consequence for flaking on a workout partner. The deposit mechanic was the first thing designed.
Research & Planning
Mapped the trust breakdown in fitness partner apps. The core finding: accountability tools don't work when they're optional.
Design & Development
Building the deposit system, reliability score, two-way gender filter, Circles, and QR scan confirmation.
MVP & User Testing
Building toward MVP. Gathering early waitlist users in NYC, LA, and Chicago.
Feature Expansion
Post-launch: expanding to more cities, refining the Circles feature, and building out the Reliability Score history.
Concept Development
Started with a simple problem: no consequence for flaking on a workout partner. The deposit mechanic was the first thing designed.
Research & Planning
Mapped the trust breakdown in fitness partner apps. The core finding: accountability tools don't work when they're optional.
Design & Development
Building the deposit system, reliability score, two-way gender filter, Circles, and QR scan confirmation.
MVP & User Testing
Building toward MVP. Gathering early waitlist users in NYC, LA, and Chicago.
Feature Expansion
Post-launch: expanding to more cities, refining the Circles feature, and building out the Reliability Score history.
Launching in NYC, LA & Chicago.
Get early access before the public launch in your city.
Join the Waitlist